9 Arrested in Laguna Sobriety Sweeps

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving at a checkpoint set up over the weekend on Laguna Canyon Road, police said Sunday.

Laguna Beach police, working with the California Highway Patrol, conducted the checkpoint at the 30000 block of Laguna Canyon Road between 10 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 a.m. Sunday, stopping more than 800 of the 1,300 vehicles that passed through during that time.

Police conducted field sobriety tests on 39 drivers whom they suspected may have been drinking. Police said nine people flunked the test and were taken into custody and later released on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence. Three people were also cited for open-container violations, and two were charged with marijuana possession, police said.

Laguna Beach police generally set up the drunk-driving checkpoints about once a month at various spots around the city.